The October partial shutdown of the federal government caused a loss of $30 million and 300,000 visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park alone.

Written by

Don Barger

During the 16-day government shutdown in October, our national parks were forced to close and people in Tennessee and throughout the country were dramatically affected. Don't think it's over.

We have long-term problems and short-term solutions as a slow-motion cutting of services and access to our national parks continues to roll out.

The good news is that Americans are united on the national parks. In 21 years as a National Parks Conservation Association director, I have never witnessed such an outpouring of concern and reaffirmation of Americans' love for parks as occurred last month. ...